Question 7C
SHALL THE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT TAXES BE INCREASED $1.5 MILLION IN 2027 AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER INCREASED BY THE RATE OF INFLATION, AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION, FOR CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL PURPOSES TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS,
PROVIDE STABLE WATER SUPPLY TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST FAMILY FARMS, RANCHES AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES INCLUDING ACQUISITIONS OF WATER RIGHTS;
IMPROVE THE SUBDISTRICT’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE, SAFE WATER AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE;
OPERATE AND MAINTAIN RESERVOIRS, WATER STORAGE SITES AND WATER DELIVERY FACILITIES IN ADAMS, MORGAN AND WELD COUNTIES; AND
INCREASE WATER YIELD BY MAINTAINING INFRASTRUCTURE THAT CAN EFFECTIVELY CAPTURE WATER FOR STORAGE;
THROUGH A PROPERTY TAX MILL LEVY ANNUALLY IMPOSED AT A RATE SUFFICIENT TO PRODUCE THE AMOUNTS SET FORTH ABOVE, WHICH TAXES SHALL BE DEPOSITED INTO THE GENERAL FUND OF THE SUBDISTRICT, AND SHALL CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 29-1-301 OF THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Question 7C?
Question 7C is an operating mill levy for the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District’s Groundwater Management Subdistrict (GMS). If approved, it would provide $1.5 million in its first year dedicated exclusively to operating and maintaining water infrastructure that supports farms and ranches throughout the region.
What does the Groundwater Management Subdistrict do?
GMS acquires and manages water rights and constructs, operates and maintains reservoirs, groundwater recharge projects and water delivery facilities. This infrastructure helps provide reliable water supplies to farmers and ranchers along the South Platte River corridor in Adams, Morgan and Weld counties.
How would funding from 7C be used?
Funding would be used to operate and maintain reservoirs, storage sites, recharge projects and water delivery facilities. It would also help improve the efficiency and reliability of the water system and maintain infrastructure capable of capturing and storing water when supplies are available.
Why is this funding needed?
Acquiring water rights and building reservoirs are only part of providing a reliable water supply. Reservoirs, recharge projects and delivery systems must also be properly operated and maintained so they are ready to capture, store and deliver water when it is needed most.
How would 7C help local farmers and ranchers?
Reliable water infrastructure helps GMS provide water to farms and ranches, particularly during drought and hot growing seasons. Maintaining that infrastructure helps protect agricultural operations and the communities and businesses that depend on them.
Why is water reliability becoming more important?
Agricultural water supplies are under increasing pressure from drought, population growth and increasing municipal demand from the Denver metro area. These pressures are making reliable agricultural water supplies more difficult and expensive to secure.
How much would 7C cost homeowners?
The GMS operating levy would cost about $11 per year for a home with a market value of $500,000 within the district.
Who pays the majority of the district’s property taxes?
Approximately 70 percent of the district’s property tax revenue is currently generated by the oil and gas industry, significantly reducing the share carried by local homeowners.
What water infrastructure does Central already have?
Central operates a diverse water portfolio that includes senior water rights, 14 reservoirs, recharge ponds and water conveyance systems. These investments help keep water available for farms and ranches during difficult water years.
Why should voters support Question 7C?
A Yes vote on 7C would help maintain the water infrastructure that keeps water available for farms and ranches in Adams, Morgan and Weld counties. It is an investment in protecting local agriculture, supporting the regional economy and preserving reliable water supplies for the future.